The bell, the scenery and the nice people

- Another trip to Milledgeville, Georgia for settling of the estate business. This bell, made in Philadelphia in 1886, used to grace the bell tower of the original courthouse that still stands across the street. I like the continuity of the bell gracing the new courthouse, but wish it was in a tower so it could ring.

- On these final trips from Atlanta to Milledgeville, down Highway 441 south, I do not take the scenery for granted anymore. I love passing the farms with the old silos, and the miles and miles of fields with cows and horses grazing. This is the scenery unique to many journeys to my adopted home town and I will miss it.

- The young lady in the tax commissioner's office, who has been so helpful, calls out "I hope we get to see you again sometime!" as I leave. I hope so, too. Small town life - there is nothing like it.

Nostalgia, coming back and home

- This area of Midtown Atlanta is turning into a fun house-looking area with all the reflective glass. Its history is being erased. It used to be called "The Strip" back in the late '60s during the heyday of the counterculture movement. Later in the '70s it turned sort of seedy with xxx-rated businesses. Later still in the '80s it was full of dance clubs and sidewalk bistros. The boarded up business on the right had one of my favorite spots ever, "Frijoleros" with its healthy style California cuisine. I can only imagine that demolition and some sort of glass structure is planned for it soon. Oh Bean Men, where are you now?

- This area in Cabbagetown indeed "took a whack" in March when a massive tornado ripped through the area.

- So all over the place on Friday afternoon, ending with volunteer work at Georgia Public Broadcasting. And home in the blessed rain to the 'burbs.